Monday, 30 April 2018

Difference Between Primary And Secondary Infertility

Secondary
infertility is defined as the inability to conceive for the second time, or,
more accurately, the next time. It can also be defined as having had a live
birth.

Primary
infertility means not having had a child by birth that is the inability thus far
to have conceived and carried to term a baby.

In
summary, primary infertility is the
term used when a woman has never had a successful birth of a child and
secondary infertility is the inability to conceive after having already had a
successful birth. Both types of infertility are common amongst couples who are
infertile and the causes and treatments are similar for both.

Female issues

Female infertility may be
caused by any number of situations, including abnormalities of the uterus, such
as a septate uterus. A septate uterus is a condition wherein the wall of the
uterus (septum) is divided either partially or fully, into two cavities. The
treatment for a septate uterus is surgical since hormones do not seem to affect
the situation. The diagnosis is made using a special uterine x-rate which will
expose abnormalities like scarring, polyps, fibroids or a uterus which is
abnormally shaped. A metroplasty is performed – a procedure to remove the
septum or division in the uterus. The surgery can be done vaginally, using a
telescope-like device which is placed into the vagina and then into the uterus,
or it can be done by laparotomy, an incision in the abdomen. About 80 percent
of women who have surgery to remove septum and reshape the uterus have later
successfully become pregnant and carried their baby to term.

Male
infertility

Male infertility can be
affected by a wide variety of disorders and external influences as well. A
qualified medical professional would have to do tests to determine exactly what
the problem is – whether it is environmental, physical or emotional.

There are two primary
reasons cited for male infertility, one of which is the vasectomy and the other
varicocele. Nearly 56 per cent of men seeking to conceive with their partners
in study done in 2001 had had a vasectomy and were seeking to reverse the
procedure. In the same study, 14 per cent
were infertile due to varicocele – the swelling of the veins in the spermatic
cord of the scrotum for which surgical correction is necessary. Genetics, age,
lifestyle, stress, overheating and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high
blood pressure all affect the production of sperm for a man.

Sometimes
it can be easily fixed

In
some cases, secondary infertility may be something which can be medically
addressed, such as a blockage in the fallopian tubes. The impact of secondary
infertility can be every bit as devastating as primary infertility, and in some
cases even more so if it is unexplained. The feelings of guilt and confusion
are often overwhelming and it is important for couples who have had a
successful pregnancy and birth to seek whatever help they need to be able to
understand and explore possibilities of conception.

Mrs. Chioma Adanma Umeha is a journalist of over two decades experience. At the moment, she is the Health Editor of Newswatch Times, Lagos, Nigeria.
A graduate of Mass Communications from Anambra State University, Enugu, she also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

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About Me

Mrs. Chioma Adanma Umeha is a journalist of over two decades experience. At the moment, she is the Health Editor of Newswatch Times, Lagos, Nigeria.
A graduate of Mass Communications from Anambra State University, Enugu, she also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.